Iyan-Ehien Chieftaincy Rites In Benin Kingdom

Added: 2026-05-04

[00:00:00]According to tradition, the celebrant may create seven titles. The highest is eso and this is usually bestowed on the senior wife.

[00:00:09]Aa aru and are others. The right to confer these titles has been bought from the ara at the rate of one goat per title. The wives have applied special materials to their hair and this is known as iigua. Again, it is the chief priest who sets the pace of the ceremonies and attends to the timehonored ritual.

[00:00:36]Is Beni soon to witness the third part of the ritual for confirmment of a chiefty title to be performed by Chief Gabriel Osawaru Iben, the Asama of Benin. The oba's announcement and actual confirmment of the honor had taken place as long ago as 1974. In Chief Ianed's garden, there is a statue of him as a baby in his mother Okuno's arms. She came from us and the chief was born on the 11th of September 1934 at Okada Town 36 km away from Benin City. The Azama has a conference room built adjacent to his home. But during the several days of the ceremony, he must live alone in a small house built especially for the purpose. The traditional palm oil lamp must be kept a light during the whole period.

[00:01:26]On the first day of the 7-day long ceremony, the celebrants danced before going to the house of Chief Awaba where the ritual was to begin.

[00:01:39]Get video.

[00:02:48]Is that Yeah.

[00:03:36]for No way.

[00:04:23]It becomes indestructible.

[00:04:56]Soch.

[00:05:02]for Yeah, watched by his wife and family. The assa was to be accompanied by a procession of relatives, well-wishes, and musical groups. Throughout his life, Chief Ignadedian's work has been crowned with success. At school, in the police, in other official capacities, and as a businessman, he has achieved the highest positions. As a husband and father, he is beyond reproach. He has done many notable things, including killing an elephant. White chalk played an important part in the ritual and at Chief Awaba's place the ceremonial tree was being prepared.

[00:06:33]Meanwhile, the Asama moved on. His many friends made Mario with him, proud of Chief Iben's elevation to the coveted rank of Asama of Benin city. It was a site not witnessed in Benin for many, many years. A ceremony which many people had never witnessed before, probably because of the enormous expense of the rituals. The 200-year-old traditional drum, which is handed down from father to son, would be used, and so would the ceremonial sword, the ebet.

[00:07:04]Chiefs from all over Nigeria attended, and gifts for presentation to Chief Awaba were in readiness as the Asama arrived.

[00:07:17]Then the age-old ritual began. Hallowed by tradition, it symbolized all the richness of Nigeria's culture.

[00:07:28]Watched by Chief Uhaba, the Asama danced with the ebe.

[00:07:36]Ritual slaughter is another important part of the ceremony which is of deep religious significance.

[00:07:49]Finally, the celebrant is anointed with white chalk by Chief Aaba before moving on to the next sequence of the ritual.

[00:07:57]The Usuma of Benin and many other chiefs watched the proceedings as did Ekenya who designed the costumes. Next to be visited was Chief Azure who was the chief priest of Yaha. He was escorted there by Chief Aaba who after that would take no further part in the ceremonies.

[00:08:15]Meanwhile at his house the chief priest who will stay with the celebrants throughout the whole of the ceremony was preparing for his arrival. Only chiefs who have themselves performed are permitted to attend the secret rights and those who did not qualify were asked to leave the room.

[00:08:43]Once this part was completed, the Esma was to visit the Auba of Benin at Uruga, the palace of the present Auba's grandfather.

[00:08:55]The Auba, his highness Aenza II, and the chief priest were together with those qualified to attend to take part in further secret rides. When the asami emerged, he was adorned with the progress leaves.

[00:09:10]Then he returned to his house, still wearing his recently acquired headdress of leaves. Only very few people alive today have witnessed the full ceremonies performed. Even the ob has seen it only three times during his lifetime. Again, the full religious significance of it all was demonstrated.

[00:09:29]The chief priest used charms to drive away evil spirits. The Assa two blackboards which were used to defend Benin kingdom were on guard. The Assama's confinements in the little house ensured that he observed the law of the ritual that says he should have no contact with women during the seven days. But he was permitted to go guarded by the assa thei or box and white chalk to the main house to receive his guests.

[00:09:56]These included Mr. I a Mr. Enoare, Mr. Wubada and the now retired.

[00:10:04]It was a gathering of friends and admu the leader of the ube is one of the very few people who have witnessed the ceremony and she was able to direct the proceedings.

[00:10:18]On the third day of the ritual, Chief Igbaned had to learn a new and significant dance, the Iguazua. He was instructed by the chief priest Ezek and the Isakbed group which is composed solely of fellow chiefs. The Yaha ceremonies are supposed to be performed by all the holders of chiefty titles during their lifetime. Failing this, it is performed for them after their death in a shortened form. It is only chief who has now revived the old tradition.

[00:10:47]Also on their third day, the celebrant is expected to entertain the usabur and the other chiefs on a lavish scale.

[00:10:56]Six goats, a cow, seven yams, six antelopes, cola nuts, and white cloth must be provided for this. They would be shared out later among those chiefs present who had themselves performed the ceremony.

[00:11:11]Because of the length of time since the last Ayah, none qualified. But thanks to the Asama's generosity, the gifts were still provided. Present on this occasion were the late Yate Chief Amasag who was the prime minister of Benin, accompanied by Espo Aadu and lots of others.

[00:11:33]Inside his house, the guests were greeted by the Asama.

[00:11:41]Others present on this occasion included chief ehani the esag of benin the usuma and the obalawa were also present.

[00:11:50]Chief Obamui of Ubalaka and the of obalaka were among those who paid their respects to chief ibaned. All the guests were senior chiefs another of the traditional rules of the ceremonies.

[00:12:04]Chief Osua and the Ala of Benin also came to do their famous colleague an honor which he will never forget. This week-long celebration of Iyah must surely be one of the biggest events in the life of any successful man. And the Osama bin was certainly no exception.

[00:12:21]After the reception inside the chief and his guest, preceded by a tray of white chalk and the egg bogi went into the garden. The asama holds beads between his lips as a reminder that he must not speak or show his teeth.

[00:12:37]Another honor was the performance of the Igbazik group by special permission of the oba. This is the first time the oba has ever allowed them to dance for another chief.

[00:12:53]Yeah.

[00:13:16]The chief priest joined in to dance, demonstrating the steps to the Asama.

[00:13:21]The celebration of the Yah was such a novelty that everybody wanted to tell their children they had seen it. And press photographers had come from far and wide to make a record of this almost unique event.

[00:13:43]After a period of studying the dance routine, the Islam himself joined in.

[00:13:56]As Iben Waba musicians played, Chief Ibanian wielded the ceremonial sword, the EB. The revival of Iaya was giving tremendous pleasure to all those who love and cherish the age-old cultures of their land. The Ibramaba group danced three times a day, as did the Iguazika group.

[00:14:17]We are la.

[00:14:42]I know.

[00:14:54]Day after day the rituals continued and on the fourth the asama is allowed to wear a brimary dress for the first time.

[00:15:02]This is made of felt as on the previous day the celebrant is not allowed to show his teeth or talk. He must not shake hands and nobody except the chief priest may touch him.

[00:15:19]Later on, the Esoma will confer chiefty titles on the wives. And in preparation for this, the high priest teaches them how to do a special dance which they will be expected to perform at the ceremony.

[00:15:47]The Assama finally came out still wearing the ibali and all the time they danced in honor of him and of the significance of the occasion.

[00:16:00]Hallelujah.

[00:16:08]Oh god.

[00:16:31]Two women's dance groups were present.

[00:16:33]the Isoka who are from the royal family and the Ihub which has special privileges during the whole days of the Iah they stay in the Asama's compound throughout and at the end will be the last to leave. Not for a long time has such a feast of traditional dancing been enjoyed in Benin city. It was certainly a never to be forgotten period in its history.

[00:17:14]The Azama and the chief priest Azakur danced together. It must have been a physically exhausting period for both of them, but the excitement of performing such a littleknown ceremony made it all worthwhile.

[00:17:35]I got a [ __ ] The celebration of a yah was more than halfway through its course at this stage. But there were a lot more traditional rituals and solemn rights to be performed. As so few people alive today had ever seen it, a lot of research was necessary to get the correct sequence and to teach people its performance.

[00:18:28]And so the rituals continued as guest after guest arrived to talk but not to be talked to, to be welcomed but not touched. The only communication allowed is through the chief priest. This period surely must be one of the most difficult parts of the ritual for the celebrant to remain mute and untouchable for so long.

[00:18:48]Here he receives a gift from the obas palace and in turn he sends a message of appreciation.

[00:19:00]>> Meanwhile, the Isokqua women's group perform.

[00:19:13]again.

[00:19:36]>> Again, Chief Igbaned joins them. But that requirement for his untouchability remains and he must be careful lest an accidental contact occurs. Such would break the rules and make Yaha incomplete.

[00:20:09]Then the asama returns to his little house for more rituals.

[00:20:23]His faithful ehobe perform outside. They are the only group allowed to be near him, and they alone know the words of a special song which may only be sung on this day and no other.

[00:20:39]As the evening came, the chief priest demonstrated yet another dance which must be performed.

[00:20:46]Another group, the Nobel led by Chief Ok performed for the pleasure of everybody present.

[00:21:07]I got I got Come on. Everybody after the main performance, the Assama joined in the dancing together with others including Chief Bokehead.

[00:22:08]I got on the fifth A the wives arrived for the confirmment of chiefty titles. According to tradition, the celebrant may create seven titles. The highest is eso and this is usually bestowed on the senior wife. Okaria aa aru and are others. The right to confer these titles has been bought from the aba at the rate of one goat per title. The wives have applied special materials to their hair and this is known as iigua. Again, it is the chief priest who sets the pace of the ceremonies and attends to the timehonored ritual.

[00:23:21]Rock my I will never And on behalf of the wives, the Asama and the chief priest dance the ritual dance together.

[00:24:39]My Heat. Heat.

[00:24:49]Heat.

[00:24:54]Heat.

[00:25:04]Go.

[00:25:29]Heat.

[00:25:49]Earlier in the day, the Ibab group had provided music as the ceremony of the two chalk eggs took place. These eggs symbolize peace and a plentiful supply of coconuts.

[00:26:24]On this fifth day, the celebrant is released from his vow of silence and may speak again to his friends and fellow fellow chiefs. It must be a considerable relief to hear his own voice once more.

[00:26:58]On this day, 14 each of the known domestic animals in Benin are slaughtered. All those chiefs who have performed the Yaha ceremony before are presented with portions to take home. In all, during rituals, no less than 70 goats were used. The expense of Yaha is considerable for every guest who comes during the seven days must be entertained and given a present. To fulfill the requirements of a chiefty title calls for considerable personal sacrifice by the celebrant. But Chief Gabriel Ibaned was determined to honor his obligations to the full regardless of the enormous outlay of capital.

[00:27:46]The Asama's hospitality to his fellow chiefs was lavish as is required by tradition. On this occasion, special prayers were said by chief u these yamu and the esobal benin. These ceremonies took place in the Asama's garden.

[00:28:01]Coronuts were broken and the piece and plenty choke eggs at a place of honor.

[00:28:12]But the ritual continues. Libations are made and prayers said, each with its own significance to the ceremony as a whole.

[00:28:20]It may be many, many years before I is celebrated again in its entirety. But there can be no doubt that this revival of the old custom by Chief Iban will be long remembered by all those who took part and everybody who had the privilege of watching. Heat. Heat.

[00:29:18]There was more dancing in the asylum's compound and he walked among the performers distributing gifts in tribute to their skill. Several groups were present and the sound of their music echoed around the area.

[00:29:43]another rhythm The dance was so attractive to the Asama that on the way back to his house, he could not resist the temptation to join in.

[00:30:48]But there were further rights to be performed in which the white chalk again played an important part. The chief priest conjured all the spirits of the ancient Benin kingdom to join with him in his prayers for the well-being of the Assama.

[00:31:08]The chalk once blessed was applied by the Assama and by Chief Ezek. During the ceremony that will follow, the chalk will be turned to sand by the pronouncement of certain words by the chief priest. The last three days of Iah are of special significance and the rituals increase in number as the ceremonies reach their height.

[00:32:04]After further anointing with the white chalk, a monkeykey's leg was placed on the Asama's head.

[00:32:20]Further ritual sacrifices are required at this stage.

[00:32:43]And finally the day ended with fur dancing by the Asama and the chief priest Ezek.

[00:33:01]I am here.

[00:33:10]I am The traditional lamp still burns as the sixth day opened with further rights involving the white chalk and special charms. The spirits of an ancient kingdom are again enjoined by the high priest.

[00:33:51]Heat. Heat.

[00:34:05]Heat.

[00:34:19]Heat.

[00:34:27]Yeah.

[00:34:31]Heat.

[00:34:55]Heat. Heat.

[00:35:16]On this day, the Assama must visit the Auba again, included in his procession of seven white sticks.

[00:35:31]Back again at the Asamos compound, the faithful IHOB group still perform, but the day is not over yet and more rights remain to be performed. The following day will mark the climax of Iah. It will be a day of many ceremonies and after it all many celebrations, merry making and entertainment.

[00:36:10]The seventh day began with the pounding of the clay which would be used to make a crown for the air summer. This would later be broken into two pieces. One of them being sent to the Oba of Benin for safekeeping as a symbolic proof that had been well and faithfully completed.

[00:36:42]With great care, the clay is molded around the Azama's head by the chief priest. This last day would mark the end of established rituals. Afterwards, there would be no more traditional regulations to be observed and human contact could be resumed and the Asama could return to a normal life with his wife and family.

[00:37:27]Many dancing groups had come from far and wide to join the celebrations. One of them performed an Atilongo dance.

[00:38:03]And it was followed by the real Atterobu danced by a girl's group from far away Anambra state may come in tribute to the Asama and take part in this his greatest day.

[00:39:03]also from An amra state was a boys team from Orca. They too danced the atalogu.

[00:39:47]The highlight of this final day was to be the great procession to see the aa of Benin, his highness Aenza II. It was to give ordinary people a chance to see the full pageantry of a Yah. The Asama was preceded by Oena, the head of a cow slaughtered earlier.

[00:40:12]The procession, which included well-wishes, friends, and relations, was joined by no less than 216 different dancing groups, a great tribute to the Assama and his popularity. Soon his vigil would be over, but his significance would live on.

[00:40:46]It was a sight the likes of which had never been seen before. True, there had been other Yaha celebrations, but none so large as Chief Ibaned.

[00:40:56]Heat. Heat.

[00:41:33]It is certain that none of the younger generation present had ever witnessed the ceremonies before. Indeed, many would not even have heard of them. It was a day that would live forever in their memories.

[00:42:05]As the procession moved on, it collected more and more well-wishes and more and more spectators until the streets were clogged with people.

[00:42:40]The wives who had received chiefty titles from the Asama also had to appear before the Auba.

[00:42:59]Huge crowds had gathered outside the Aub's palace to welcome the procession.

[00:43:17]The Auba himself, his highness Aenzo II, awaited the arrival of the Asama.

[00:43:27]But according to tradition, the chief priest must recommend the reception and the must dance before the ABA.

[00:43:37]Oh, heat, heat.

[00:43:54]I forever might I love go. Okay. Until the traditional ceremonies reach their climax as the asama danced with the ceremonial sword. At this ritual, the celebrant must approach the oba, the osuma, the yas, the esoba, the imam and the oaya and the oparaya four times. And four times he must throw the eb to the floor. He is called at the request of the chief priest by the awam. When he arrives at the ob's throne, the clay crown will be felt to make sure that it fits correctly. This is the last main right of the 7-day celebration.

[00:45:33]The oyanger was placed before his highness the oba as a symbol of completion.

[00:45:46]The chief priest of Ayah signified that all the rituals had been satisfactorily performed and the dismissed chief Ianedia.

[00:45:58]Finally, the seven wives came forward to perform their part of the ceremony. In days gone by, they would all have been wives in the accepted sense. But today relatives and friends are called in to make up the statutory servant. They are known as substitute wives.

[00:46:29]I go again.

[00:46:52]Back at home, Chief Ibaned makes his way to the little house to prepare himself for the final official visitor, which marks the end of a year.

[00:47:16]Yeah.

[00:47:41]For the last time, the symbolic white chalk is used for the ceremony. It had been an exciting and historic week, but there can be little doubt that at this stage Leama was looking forward to relaxing with his family and living again the memories of the last week.

[00:48:12]The oil lamps still burn as the last visitor is received. By tradition, this is always an emissary from the oba who has been sent to collect the gifts which the celebrants must present to his highness for the performance of a yah.

[00:48:59]Once the emissery has left the asama's presence, yaha is complete. But first, he must pray for the asama's well-being and ask a blessing on his future life.

[00:49:13]Oh my god.

[00:50:01]Then the gifts were presented. The title of his summer is fifth in rank among the chiefts of Benin. The rare celebration of was ended.

[00:50:31]After a day's rest, Chief Ibanon made his way to the AA's palace. This time to give thanks for the honor that had been bestowed upon him. He was accompanied by Chief Azakur who had so faithfully prepared and performed all the rituals over the long period of the celebration.

[00:50:48]The procession of dancers had given way to the motorc car as the asama with behind him reverted to his normal way of life.

[00:51:09]The performance of Yah in its entirety had made Chief Ibanian a popular figure among his equals who cherished the traditions of chiefty for the part they have played in the history of Nigeria and in the building of the Nigeria of today.